Alabama has specific child labor laws that regulate the employment of minors under the age of 18. These laws restrict what jobs and hours minors can work, along with other rules employers must follow. Understanding Alabama child labor laws and regulations is important for businesses hiring teens and parents allowing their kids to work.
Alabama first enacted child labor laws in the early 1900s. The state has updated and revised its statutes over the decades to align with federal youth employment standards. The Alabama Department of Labor enforces child labor rules.
The Alabama laws allow appropriate work experience for teens while preventing exploitation or safety risks. They include limits on hours for different age groups and prohibited hazardous occupations.
The Alabama child labor laws cover any minor under the age of 18 working in Alabama. This includes:
Any business or employer hiring workers under 18 must comply with child labor regulations. That includes private companies, farms, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Alabama child labor laws set a range of employment standards for different age groups:
Other key provisions include:
Most workers under 16 need an Alabama Department of Labor work permit before starting employment. The steps include:
Once approved, the permit outlines allowed work hours in line with Alabama child labor limits. Permits are not needed for minors 16 and over.
The Alabama child labor laws have strict hourly limits on how many hours teens in different age groups can work:
Breaks of at least 30 minutes are required every 5+ hours worked. Violating hour restrictions can lead to penalties.
Alabama child labor laws designate 30+ hazardous occupations fully prohibited for workers under 18:
Any job with exposure to hazardous chemicals or radioactive substances is also banned until age 18.
Businesses violating Alabama child labor statutes face civil fines of up to $1,000 per offense. Second offenses within 3 years double the fines. Violations include:
In severe cases, criminal charges can be pursued against culpable employers. Child labor also impacts workers’ compensation premiums.
In 2016, Alabama passed the Safe Harbor Act to protect minors forced into commercial sexual activity. It prevents charges for prostitution if the minor was coerced.
Other recent reforms increased fines for violations and strengthened protections for young construction workers. Some groups have called for relaxing hourly limits for minors during summer and raising the work permit age.
Some Alabama businesses argue tighter federal and state limits on teen employment in recent decades have backfired. Loss of early work experience makes it harder for some young adults to get or keep jobs.
Groups like the Alabama Retail Association want more flexibility in hours 14-15-year-olds can work during summer break. They cite fewer options for teens due to automation and shifts in the labor market.
Child advocacy organizations argue employers need to adjust hiring practices rather than loosening protections. They say putting financial needs over safety led to the harsh child labor practices of the early 1900s.
Follow these steps for minors under 16 to get an Alabama work permit:
Follow these tips to comply with Alabama child labor regulations as an employer:
In summary, key points for employers and parents to know include under Alabama child labor laws:
14 and 15-year-olds can work limited hours in retail, food service, landscaping, and clerical jobs with a permit.
Can a 16-year-old serve alcohol in Alabama?No, state law prohibits anyone under 21 from working with alcohol including serving customers.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work during the summer in Alabama?Up to 48 hours total per week across all employers. This includes during summer and other school breaks.
When do kids need work permits in Alabama?Most workers under 16 years old need an Alabama work permit before starting a job. Exceptions include family businesses and entertainment.
Can parents be fined for violating child labor laws in Alabama?Generally, only employers are fined for violations, not parents. But coercion, exploitation, or endangerment could spur investigation.
What are the rules for homeschooled teens working in Alabama?Homeschooled minors must follow the same work hour limits and permit rules as public/private school students.
Where do I report suspected child labor law violations in Alabama?You can file a report with the federal or state Department of Labor offices to prompt an investigation.
Who issues work permits for minors in Alabama?The state Department of Labor reviews applications and supporting documents and issues approved work permits.
Alabama Traffic Laws has hundreds of laws governing vehicles, drivers, pedestrians, parking, accidents, and more on…
Alabama has enacted several laws in recent years aimed at restricting rights and protections for transgender…
Alabama Trespassing laws aim to protect public and private property rights by setting clear rules about…
Alabama easement law is relatively complex and covers various types of easements, their creation, and potential…
Tattooing is a popular practice in Alabama but is regulated by specific laws on licensing, age…
Alabama Auto accident laws determine liability and how injuries and damages are handled after a crash….
